What's the Difference Between a Displaced Person and a Refugee?

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably but there are two important distinctions between displaced persons, also known as Internally Displaced Persons or IDPs, and refugees.

Both groups have been forced to flee their homes. But refugees have crossed an international border to escape the conflict, violence, or persecution facing them if they stay due to their race, religion or political views. IDPs may leave their homes due to conflict but more often do so in response to epidemics or natural disasters and shelter somewhere within their own country. Both groups can return home once it’s safe to do so, but IDPs are more likely to be in that situation.

Another difference is in how they are treated. International law provides some protection for refugees, the most important of which is non-refoulement, or the right not to be pushed back to their country of origin. This grants them protection in the country where they’ve sought asylum. IDPs are often more vulnerable than refugees as they do not fall under the umbrella of international law and remain widely unseen since their plight rarely attracts international attention.

There are many more IDPs than refugees, many of whom are women and children, who are extremely vulnerable to physical attack, sexual violence and kidnapping. Sometimes they aren’t granted adequate food, shelter or medical help. Unsurprisingly, internally displaced persons have a significantly higher mortality rate compared to the general population. 

The International Catholic Migration Commission advocates for the rights of all uprooted people, including internally displaced people, refugees, asylum-seekers, victims of human trafficking, and migrants regardless of faith, race, ethnicity or nationality. Our efforts include healthcare, child protection, monetary assistance, developing livelihoods building awareness, and championing the causes of these often unseen people deprived of basic rights. We need your help to achieve our goals. Visit our website and learn how you can help people rebuild their lives amid humanitarian crises.

About the International Catholic Migration Commission

The International Catholic Migration Commission is a nonprofit organization that protects, serves, and advocates for displaced people throughout the world. We help refugees, asylum-seekers, victims of human trafficking, and migrants of all faiths, races, and ethnicities forge lives in safety and dignity.

With support from people like you, ICMC delivers humanitarian aid and social development, protects vulnerable migrants, contributes to refugee resettlement efforts, advocates before governments, and partners with civic leaders. We seek a sustainable solution to dangerous migration and refugee crises.

Find out more by visiting our website.